Have you heard (or made) any of these comments when a new leader is brought in to change things?
- I’m excited!
- I’ll wait and see how it goes…
- That isn’t the way we do things here.
The people who are excited typically like change and can adapt easily. Getting the “waiters” and the “naysayers” on board can be more challenging. Some experts advise against trying to convert the naysayers but they may have institutional knowledge or customer relationships that are too valuable to lose.
The naysayers are often people who helped build the company or the department. While they may acknowledge that things aren’t perfect, they are proud of their contributions. Honoring the past and inviting their input can help them embrace change and move forward.